Looking for great
savings?
 | Millions of consumers turn to QuoteMatch for substantial savings. |
| Try our fast quote to see for yourself! |
|
|
|
|
How to Avoid Medicare Fraud
Author David Schneider | Nov 19,2007
|
The medical field is full of professionals with good intentions, offering the best in health care service for patients with Medicare. Unfortunately, some bad apples do exist. Whether health care professionals gone wrong, or straight up con-artists, Medicare fraud is alive and well, feeding on the insured like a pack of hungry wolves. What can you do about it? Arm yourself, and learn how to avoid Medicare fraud.
What is Medicare Fraud?
Medicare fraud can fall under a few categories. Most commonly, fraud occurs when Medicare recipients receive bills for services that never took place, or for supplies and equipment that were never received. Other types of Medicare fraud include assuming the identity of the insured to receive benefits, and collecting from Medicare on returned equipment.
Ways to Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud
Guard your personal information carefully. Avoid giving your Medicare health insurance number or medical records to anyone other than your doctor or other Medicare approved provider. Report any lost or stolen Medicare insurance information immediately.
Avoid Door-to-Door Medicare Fraud
A common scam occurs when people call or show up to your home unsolicited, attempting to sell products that are somehow related to Medicare. You should know that Medicare never arrives at your home unannounced. They also don’t market or sanction products and services of any kind.
Avoid Medicare Fraud With Trustworthy Health Care Providers
A good doctor who works with Medicare will be honest about your health care needs. There will be no shifty promises that claim to know a way around the Medicare system. Be wary of physicians alleging ways to get Medicare coverage for an uninsurable product or service.
Watch for a physician who informs you that a service is free, yet still asks for your Medicare insurance information. Certainly, some services require no co-payment, such as laboratory tests. However, excessive “free” services may reflect otherwise on your Medicare statement.
Review Your Statements to Avoid Medicare Fraud
When you get a statement from Medicare, review it carefully, checking for any errors or suspicious activity. The statement will illustrate your balance due and the services, equipment and supplies Medicare was billed for. Look for services, supplies or equipment that you never received, that your doctor never called for and double billing.
Keep a diary of services you receive so you can refer back to it and check things off. If anything on your Medicare statement is inaccurate, rule out simple mistakes by contacting your health care facility first. Billing mistakes can be easily remedied.
Report Medicare Insurance Fraud
If you do not receive assistance from the health care facility and the issue is unresolved, the next course of action is to report potential fraud to your Medicare insurance company. Contact information is located on your statement, officially referred to as a “Medicare summary notice.” You have the choice to write or call.
Protect Yourself and Other From Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud prevention is for the greater good. As fraud persists, health care costs become more expensive for everyone. Consider it a civic duty to protect yourself and others by avoiding Medicare fraud.
The medical field is full of professionals with good intentions, offering the best in health care service for patients with Medicare. Unfortunately, some bad apples do exist. Whether health care professionals gone wrong, or straight up con-artists, Medicare fraud is alive and well, feeding on the insured like a pack of hungry wolves. What can you do about it? Arm yourself, and learn how to avoid Medicare fraud.
What is Medicare Fraud?
Medicare fraud can fall under a few categories. Most commonly, fraud occurs when Medicare recipients receive bills for services that never took place, or for supplies and equipment that were never received. Other types of Medicare fraud include assuming the identity of the insured to receive benefits, and collecting from Medicare on returned equipment.
Ways to Protect Yourself From Medicare Fraud
Guard your personal information carefully. Avoid giving your Medicare health insurance number or medical records to anyone other than your doctor or other Medicare approved provider. Report any lost or stolen Medicare insurance information immediately.
Avoid Door-to-Door Medicare Fraud
A common scam occurs when people call or show up to your home unsolicited, attempting to sell products that are somehow related to Medicare. You should know that Medicare never arrives at your home unannounced. They also don’t market or sanction products and services of any kind.
Avoid Medicare Fraud With Trustworthy Health Care Providers
A good doctor who works with Medicare will be honest about your health care needs. There will be no shifty promises that claim to know a way around the Medicare system. Be wary of physicians alleging ways to get Medicare coverage for an uninsurable product or service.
Watch for a physician who informs you that a service is free, yet still asks for your Medicare insurance information. Certainly, some services require no co-payment, such as laboratory tests. However, excessive “free” services may reflect otherwise on your Medicare statement.
Review Your Statements to Avoid Medicare Fraud
When you get a statement from Medicare, review it carefully, checking for any errors or suspicious activity. The statement will illustrate your balance due and the services, equipment and supplies Medicare was billed for. Look for services, supplies or equipment that you never received, that your doctor never called for and double billing.
Keep a diary of services you receive so you can refer back to it and check things off. If anything on your Medicare statement is inaccurate, rule out simple mistakes by contacting your health care facility first. Billing mistakes can be easily remedied.
Report Medicare Insurance Fraud
If you do not receive assistance from the health care facility and the issue is unresolved, the next course of action is to report potential fraud to your Medicare insurance company. Contact information is located on your statement, officially referred to as a “Medicare summary notice.” You have the choice to write or call.
Protect Yourself and Other From Medicare Fraud
Medicare fraud prevention is for the greater good. As fraud persists, health care costs become more expensive for everyone. Consider it a civic duty to protect yourself and others by avoiding Medicare fraud. |
|
|
|
Print
E-mail
Del.icio.us
Digg
